Jake Shields wants to go to the UFC

The death of EltieXC caused an increase in the modern soup lines. One of the unemployed is EliteXC welterweight champion Jake Shields. Shields is ranked in the top-ten of welterweights, an impressive feat considering the UFC's impressive assembly of welterweights. Shields recently spoke to MMAWeekly and said this,

"The UFC's the most likely option," he said. "That's where I'm certainly leaning. I haven't had any talks with them yet; I have to get my contract released. That's definitely the number one option I'm looking at. I was on good terms with them before I signed this last contract, so I don't think there should be any problem."

Of all the fighters EliteXC had, Shields was clearly the best and the UFC should definitely sign him. While the UFC's welterweight division is crowded --not counting Shields they hold eight of the top ten welterweights-- another legit fighter only means more high quality fights that can be billed as co-main events (like the Koscheck-Alves fight this weekend).

The only thing that could keep Shields out of the UFC is money. Since the UFC already has so many great welterweights they may not be willing to pay market price for Shields. As long as the UFC doesn't low-ball the shit out of Shields he should be in the UFC and hopefully fighting Diego Sanchez in February.